GWU vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

GWU vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Austin Peay State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Austin Peay State University than GWU ($9,882 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 15% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($11,410 vs. $13,430).
• Gardner Webb University is 286% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $25,754 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.4% higher at GWU than at Austin Peay State University (about $19,994 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Austin Peay State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 139.9% larger than aid received by Austin Peay State University students ($27,088 vs. $11,290).

GWU vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Austin Peay State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Austin Peay State University and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 110 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming GWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Austin Peay State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

GWU vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Austin Peay State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $2,469 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.